If you have been injured at work, you should ensure that you receive medical healthcare. The injury or illness you sustained may result in medical bills, time off from work, or a career change.
Under Connecticut's Workers' Compensation Program, every worker has guaranteed medical treatment for any job-related injury or illness. In addition to paying for medical expenses, Connecticut's workers' compensation system also pays lost wages if you don't work because of an injury or illness.
Connecticut law requires that employers establish work injury and illness programs. It includes procedures for prompt reporting, investigation, and documentation of injuries sustained due to a work accident in Connecticut.
If you get injured on the job in Connecticut, here are five steps to take.
Notify Your Employer of the Accident
You should file a report promptly after the occurrence of the accident to your employer, supervisor, or human resources (HR) department. You should receive a form that contains instructions on properly documenting your injury.
The incident report should list the date of injury, the nature of the bodily injury, any first aid treatment you received, how long you were off work, and how much your employer has to pay for your medical expenses.
Fill Out Any Necessary Medical Forms Accurately and Return Them to Your Employer
You must fill out a medical form indicating the time and date of your injury and other details. Once your employer receives this form, they provide it to their insurance carrier. The carrier evaluates your case to determine if you should acquire insurance compensation.
If the insurance company denies your workers' compensation claim, you have the right to appeal their decision. Complete an appeal letter and return it to your employer. You must also include copies of your medical records with this letter.
Seek Medical Treatment From a Healthcare Professional
You should seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider that is licensed to practice in the state of Connecticut. When seeing a doctor or other health professional, ensure you have the incident report you filled out at work and let your doctor know that you got injured at work.
The doctor or hospital must provide you with a medical report detailing your injury and the treatment they gave you. It's possible the workers compensation company in Connecticut will require an independent medical exam. This may be required for your employer to pay for your benefits.
Arrange for rehabilitative services to help you recover from your injuries in Connecticut if those services are necessary and recommended by your doctor.
Seek Legal Advice if Necessary
A workers' compensation attorney can inform you of your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve from workers' comp. The sooner an attorney is involved in your recovery, the better chance they will be able to help get things done more quickly.
Workers’ compensation laws are very complex. After a work accident, in Connecticut, it's best to talk with a lawyer experienced with workers’ compensation laws and regulations. A personal injury lawyer makes sure your rights are protected and can help you get the medical care that may be necessary.
Working with a work injury lawyer can help you with any issues related to your claim.
If your employer refuses to pay for your medical treatment or maligns you because of your workplace injury, reach out to a Connecticut workers' compensation lawyer so they can provide legal advice.
Preserve Any Information or Documentation of the Accident for Future Reference
Maintain copies of all written documents, including medical documentation from your doctor, to present or refer to later. You will need the documents if you wish to pursue a claim for workers' compensation benefits in the future.
You must prove your eligibility for workers' compensation benefits to receive partial wage replacement or reimbursement of healthcare services.
As an injured worker in Connecticut, you must also provide proof of your injury or illness's relationship to the job. As such, you will need to produce medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and other evidence documenting events surrounding the accident that caused your injury or illness.
Wrapping Up
Work-related injury or illness can create financial hardship for you and your family; thus, you must receive the necessary medical treatment. If there is any doubt about whether your employer's insurance claim got correctly handled, talk with a Connecticut work injury attorney right away. You must also document every event surrounding your workplace injury and recovery.
Get Help for your CT Workers Compensation Claim
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our attorneys are dedicated to assisting clients throughout Connecticut with their workers’ compensation cases. We have years of experience and the extensive resources you need to recover from your injury and move forward. If you’ve been injured at work or your claim has recently been denied, contact us immediately to understand your options.